Change! Before It’s Even Worse! Ecotasrophes once rare Are now the norm What once were showers Now are storms It doesn’t have to stay that way Listen to what scientists say: “Change, change,           “There are things we must do “To prevent us from being,           “Even more screwed!” ©2024 Carl Scott Harker, author of Poems of Personal Poverty

Home gardeners, landscapers of malls and business complexes, tenders of parks and campuses and farmer everywhere can help mitigate climate change through various practices that promote environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. Here are some ways gardeners of small plots and large acres can make a positive impact:

Plant Trees and Shrubs:
Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Planting trees and shrubs can help sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.

Use Native Plants:
Native plants are well-adapted to local climates, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. They also support local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Composting:
Composting organic waste helps reduce the amount of organic matter sent to landfills, where it decomposes and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Compost enriches soil fertility and structure.

Water Conservation:
Use water-efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, to minimize water usage. Collect rainwater for irrigation and choose drought-resistant plants that require less water.

Organic Gardening Practices:
Avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, as their production and use contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, opt for organic and sustainable gardening methods.

Reduce Lawn Size:
Large lawns require significant resources for maintenance. Consider reducing the size of your lawn and replacing it with native plants, flowers, or vegetable gardens.

Mulching:
Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. It also reduces the need for irrigation and helps sequester carbon in the soil.

Energy-Efficient Gardening Tools:
Choose energy-efficient, electric, or manual tools instead of gas-powered equipment to reduce carbon emissions associated with gardening activities such as mowing lawns or pruning shrubs.

Educate and Encourage Others:
Share your knowledge and experiences with friends, family, and community members. Encourage others to adopt sustainable gardening practices to create a collective positive impact.

Participate in Community Gardens:
Join or initiate community gardening projects to promote sustainable practices collectively. Community gardens foster a sense of community while contributing to environmental well-being.

Support Pollinators:
Plant flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting ecosystems.

Offset Carbon Footprint:
Consider participating in carbon offset programs to compensate for unavoidable emissions. Some organizations facilitate tree-planting initiatives or renewable energy projects to offset carbon emissions.

By incorporating these practices, gardeners can play a significant role in mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

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